Rafaela Kelly

Rafaela “Rae” Mary Kelly of Denver, Colorado passed away at the age of 82 on June 27, 2023. She has joined in passing her husband, Dennis Kelly, parents Manuel and Ramona Portilla, sister, Suki Bivins, daughter, Tamera Kelly, brother in law, Don Bivins, nephew Don “Butch” Bivins, and grandson Jamie Walton.

Rafaela was born in New York in 1940. She relocated to Anchorage, Alaska in the late 60's, where she went to work for Exxon/Mobil and met the love of her life, Dennis. Her employment with Exxon/Mobil would take her to Denver, Colorado and then Liberal, Kansas. Upon her retirement, she and Dennis returned to Denver. Rae was a natural creative. She enjoyed drawing, admiring art, music and collecting beautiful items. She was very giving as could be seen throughout her many years of volunteering at various agencies such as hospitals and museums. Above all, Rae loved her family and devoted much of her time caring for them.

She leaves behind her children: Dana and Angela Kelly, nieces: Donna and Ronda Bivins, Debbie Bierschenk (Phillip); grandchildren: Austin Smith, Shawn Walton (Candice), Julius River Kelly Hackney, Taylor Hackney; great grandchildren: Cade Smith, Judah Walton, Addalynn Walton; amongst many more loved family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she has touched.

At Rae’s request services will not be held. In lieu of flowers please donate in her name to Denver Hospice at 8289 E. Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230 or at their website thedenverhospice.org. Donations can also be made to the Denver Art Museum at 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204 or their website denverartmuseum.org.